Randy Wilson: Life Goes On

Anybody who likes the sounds of Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Freddie Jackson, Al Green and Marvin Gaye is going to feel blessed for discovering Randy Wilson!
For singer and songwriter Randy Wilson, a career in music has been a dream deterred. This talented R&B artist is completing his second project “Up Close and Personal” for which he wrote all the songs, and is looking forward to the future. He is poised and ready to step back onto the music scene and realize his dreams of success.
Growing up in Oakland, Califronia, his interest in music came about when he was 8 years old, along with football and baseball. A short while later his interest in music developed into a passion. His childhood friend’s older brother played drums in a group called “Bits & Pieces”. He was later chose to be the lead singer. The group performed at small nightclubs and hotels around the greater Bay Area for several years.
The band eventually parted ways and Randy decided to pursue his interest in recording. His musical influences were artists such as Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross. He also started his own small record label called “Regal Records” with help from a friend. Three months later he recorded his first single, “Something Inside”. The single was well received and garnered local radio play and also captured the attention of local promoter Paul Mack, Jr. He was soon opening shows for artists such as the Temptations, The OJays, Denise Williams, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Toni! Tony! Tone!, Roy Ayers, Stanley Clarke and many others.
His 1987 CD project created a buzz with local promoters and radio so he began shopping for a record deal. Every major record label that Randy hit, the feedback was “Wow, you sound just like Luther”. While Randy loved that people said he sounded like Luther Vandross, his goal was for listeners to recognize and appreciate his own style of vocals.
Letting his passion, sensitivity and vulnerability set him apart, Randy began honing his signature sound with the support of his family and inspiration from his mother, who is also a singer. One day a friend passed him a tape with music that “changed everything”. He bagan writing his own lyrics about experiences with family, friends and the daily challenges of life. “Love is such a powerful emotion and life is a gift from God. Music drives me,” says Randy.
Randy recently shared the stage at the Conga Room in LA with R&B greats Stevie Wonder, Lenny Williams, D’Wayne Wiggins of Toni! Tony! Tone!, Jamie Fox and Raphael Saadiq in a benefit fundraiser and received kudos for his performance.

Juan DAliaga is proud to launch Now Playing’s first CD, which represents a lifetime of songwriting ambitions. The songs are conceived by Juan DAliaga in collaboration with producer and musician, Dave Levene and his collaborative p...Juan DAliaga is proud to launch Now Playing’s first CD, which represents a lifetime of songwriting ambitions. The songs are conceived by Juan DAliaga in collaboration with producer and musician, Dave Levene and his collaborative partner the lyricist, Dale Lawrence.
After an exhaustive search, during which time several singers passed the initial audition and were even recorded, Dave finally selected twenty three year old Will Barron from Cumming, Georgia to be the definitive voice of the band. Will’s youthful exuberance, vocal range and crucially his “feel” for the material made him the inevitable choice. With the band’s lead singer in place Now Playing was ready to record their first album.
Juan and Dave met in Peru in the late sixties and early seventies where the two began writing and arranging songs. Those songs are now being revisited with state of the art technology and a brand new generation of music. Check out their website here http://www.nowplayingband.com/

Lara Johnston is clearly on the rise with her powerful voice and fiery, captivating stage presence. Touring tirelessly, Lara Johnston has performed in the United States, Europe and Canada where she has shared the stage or opened ...Lara Johnston is clearly on the rise with her powerful voice and fiery, captivating stage presence. Touring tirelessly, Lara Johnston has performed in the United States, Europe and Canada where she has shared the stage or opened for:Michael McDonald, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Miller, Willie Nelson, KISS, Tower of Power, Heart, Sammy Hagar, Huey Lewis, Pablo Cruise, Journey and Cheap Trick. She also won 3rd place in the prestigious BMI Foundation John Lennon Scholarship Competition. Not many 21 year olds can attract the attention of some of the most powerful names in music as Lara has. While Lara generally writes her own songs, she spent months collaborating on her new album with Nashville greats like Producer/songwriter Mike Krompass, and song writers Steve Diamond, Jim McCormick, Tebey and Tommy Lee James. Between the five of them these chart topping songwriters have worked with artists like Taylor Swift, Pixie Lott, David Archuleta, and Orianthi. Their talent and expertise is very influential on Lara’s new album being released later this year.What makes her so captivating, aside from her beauty, is the powerful voice that comes from within her and her ability to perform them effortlessly with a range of influences including Pop, Funk, Gospel, Rock, Jazz and Blues. Perhaps her favorite is Soul music. She was inspired at a young age by Aretha Franklin. She has truly achieved her aspiration and inspiration; to channel Aretha’s powerful, emotional and heartfelt story telling, making Lara the extraordinary artist that she has become. Sign up on her mailing list to get a free download of her new single from the record that is coming out in March 2012, just visit her site at http://larajohnston.com/ !

No one hits quite as hard as up and coming alternative band The Rift. The current band memebers consisting of Aris Anagnos, John Anagnos,Tyler Holsclaw, Tesh Hatharasinghe and Matt Melamed, have been together since early 2010 and ...No one hits quite as hard as up and coming alternative band The Rift. The current band memebers consisting of Aris Anagnos, John Anagnos,Tyler Holsclaw, Tesh Hatharasinghe and Matt Melamed, have been together since early 2010 and have been moving forward at a rapid pace. Armed with a crisp new sound and a solid EP, The Rift packs a punch with great lyrics and melodies that will no doubt have you singing along. The band is great live and has played with more established bands like The Misfits, Exodus, Midnight Theory and others. Thanks to Crooked Creek Studios, The Rift is ready to hit the next level and will be releasing their new CD in 2011. Check them out on Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/theriftca

L.A. based indie rockers, The Elizabeth Kill are returning to the stage after putting the finishing touches on their newest CD release. Known for electrifying live performances, the female fronted quartet delivers their signature ...L.A. based indie rockers, The Elizabeth Kill are returning to the stage after putting the finishing touches on their newest CD release. Known for electrifying live performances, the female fronted quartet delivers their signature style of music and keeps fans wanting more. With Influences like The Cure, Alanis Morrisette, No Doubt, and The Smiths you can expect lots of attitude and nothing short of a good time with The Elizabeth Kill. “Our fans like live music, they work hard and like to play hard and we want to rock hard with them,” says Sarah Roiko, the bands front-woman. Other members of the band include Corey Manske, Jeremiah Roiko, and Son Vo. The Elizabeth Kill supports organizations like “To Write Love On Her Arms” which raises awareness and support for people struggling with addiction, depression, self injury, and thoughts of suicide. Check out their website http://www.theelizabethkill.com/ !

Everyone has two choices—evolve or die.It’s that simple, and that maxim holds true for every species. Either you can change with the tides or get swept away in their wake. Either you can grow or you can stagnate. Either you can st...Everyone has two choices—evolve or die.It’s that simple, and that maxim holds true for every species. Either you can change with the tides or get swept away in their wake. Either you can grow or you can stagnate. Either you can stand out or simply be another face in the crowd. With their third album, American Capitalist [Prospect Park], Five Finger Death Punch—Ivan Moody [Vocals], Zoltan Bathory [Guitar], Jason Hook [Guitar], Jeremy Spencer [Drums], and Chris Kael [Bass]—morph into the melodic heavy metal machine that they’ve been moving towards since their 2007 debut, The Way of the Fist. Not only is their sound bigger; it’s better. Not only has the music become more intricate; it’s become more infectious. Not only are they more direct; they’re more dangerous. (Duplicated from Fivefingerdeathpunch.com)

Staind dove into bleaker recesses than ever before and surfaced with their heaviest and most hypnotic album to date, STAIND, their self-titled, seventh studio album. The multi-platinum Massachusetts hard rock outfit—Aaron Lewis, M...Staind dove into bleaker recesses than ever before and surfaced with their heaviest and most hypnotic album to date, STAIND, their self-titled, seventh studio album. The multi-platinum Massachusetts hard rock outfit—Aaron Lewis, Mike Mushok, and Johnny "Old School" April—pushed itself to the very brink. There was struggle and strife, but, as a result, Staind constructed a collection of chaotically melodic songs that hearken back to their 1999 major label debut, Dysfunction, while wielding an instrumental and lyrical prowess that could only be cultivated by 16 years of writing, recording, and touring together. Along the way, the band forged a melodic musical maelstrom that served as solace for fans of all ages. They sold 15 million albums worldwide, had eight top ten singles across multiple formats with three songs hitting number one, and wrote the most-played rock song of the past decade, "It's Been Awhile." (Info duplicated from staind.com)

Florence herself is a mass of contradictions: she’s tough yet she’s terrified, a bundle of nerves and passion, of darkness and pure joy. “I feel things quite intensely, which is why the music has to be so intense. I’m either reall...Florence herself is a mass of contradictions: she’s tough yet she’s terrified, a bundle of nerves and passion, of darkness and pure joy. “I feel things quite intensely, which is why the music has to be so intense. I’m either really sad or really happy, I’m tired or completely manic. That’s when I’m at my most creative, but it’s also dangerous for me. I feel I could write some good songs, or break some hearts. Or tables. Or glasses.” As for The Machine, it’s a flexible beast. It can go right down to Florence and a drum kit or a piano, but right now it’s a seven-piece band including long-term collaborators Rob Ackroyd (guitar), Chris Hayden (drums), Isabella Summers (keyboards) and Tom Monger (harp). (Info duplicated from florence+themachine.net). The new album, Ceremonials, dropped October 31st in the UK.

Evanescence’s third album is self titled for a reason: 15 years after its formation, the multi-platinum band has made the most collaborative, united album of its career. And it rocks. “Coming back together is such a beautiful an...Evanescence’s third album is self titled for a reason: 15 years after its formation, the multi-platinum band has made the most collaborative, united album of its career. And it rocks. “Coming back together is such a beautiful and happy thing,” co-founder and lead singer Amy Lee says of making “Evanescence,” the group’s first album since 2006’s “The Open Door.” “We’d bring a song to the whole band and arrange it in a group. That’s something that really stands out against the other records. There’s a tight band at the center of everything, giving it a very tangible energy.” The cohesion is evident in every note. The album, produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Alice In Chains, Def Tones), packs a wallop with a unified vision that can only come from a group working together as a creative unit. Led by Lee’s operatic, passionate vocals, Evanescence has sold close to 25 million albums since its 2003 debut, “Fallen.” (Info duplicated from Evanescence.com).

Lara Johnston is clearly on the rise with her powerful voice and fiery, captivating stage presence. Touring tirelessly, Lara Johnston has performed in the United States, Europe and Canada where she has shared the stage or opened ...Lara Johnston is clearly on the rise with her powerful voice and fiery, captivating stage presence. Touring tirelessly, Lara Johnston has performed in the United States, Europe and Canada where she has shared the stage or opened for:Michael McDonald, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Miller, Willie Nelson, KISS, Tower of Power, Heart, Sammy Hagar, Huey Lewis, Pablo Cruise, Journey and Cheap Trick. She also won 3rd place in the prestigious BMI Foundation John Lennon Scholarship Competition. Not many 21 year olds can attract the attention of some of the most powerful names in music as Lara has. While Lara generally writes her own songs, she spent months collaborating on her new album with Nashville greats like Producer/songwriter Mike Krompass, and song writers Steve Diamond, Jim McCormick, Tebey and Tommy Lee James. Between the five of them these chart topping songwriters have worked with artists like Taylor Swift, Pixie Lott, David Archuleta, and Orianthi. Their talent and expertise is very influential on Lara’s new album being released later this year.What makes her so captivating, aside from her beauty, is the powerful voice that comes from within her and her ability to perform them effortlessly with a range of influences including Pop, Funk, Gospel, Rock, Jazz and Blues. Perhaps her favorite is Soul music. She was inspired at a young age by Aretha Franklin. She has truly achieved her aspiration and inspiration; to channel Aretha’s powerful, emotional and heartfelt story telling, making Lara the extraordinary artist that she has become. Sign up on her mailing list to get a free download of her new single from the record that is coming out in March 2012, just visit her site at http://larajohnston.com/ !

L.A. based indie rockers, The Elizabeth Kill are returning to the stage after putting the finishing touches on their newest CD release. Known for electrifying live performances, the female fronted quartet delivers their signature ...L.A. based indie rockers, The Elizabeth Kill are returning to the stage after putting the finishing touches on their newest CD release. Known for electrifying live performances, the female fronted quartet delivers their signature style of music and keeps fans wanting more. With Influences like The Cure, Alanis Morrisette, No Doubt, and The Smiths you can expect lots of attitude and nothing short of a good time with The Elizabeth Kill. “Our fans like live music, they work hard and like to play hard and we want to rock hard with them,” says Sarah Roiko, the bands front-woman. Other members of the band include Corey Manske, Jeremiah Roiko, and Son Vo. The Elizabeth Kill supports organizations like “To Write Love On Her Arms” which raises awareness and support for people struggling with addiction, depression, self injury, and thoughts of suicide. Check out their website here! or http://www.theelizabethkill.com/

No one hits quite as hard as up and coming alternative band The Rift. The current band memebers consisting of Aris Anagnos, John Anagnos,Tyler Holsclaw, Tesh Hatharasinghe and Matt Melamed, have been together since early 2010 and ...No one hits quite as hard as up and coming alternative band The Rift. The current band memebers consisting of Aris Anagnos, John Anagnos,Tyler Holsclaw, Tesh Hatharasinghe and Matt Melamed, have been together since early 2010 and have been moving forward at a rapid pace. Armed with a crisp new sound and a solid EP, The Rift packs a punch with great lyrics and melodies that will no doubt have you singing along. The band is great live and has played with more established bands like The Misfits, Exodus, Midnight Theory and others. Thanks to Crooked Creek Studios, The Rift is ready to hit the next level and will be releasing their new CD in 2011. Check them out on Reverbnation! or http://www.reverbnation.com/theriftca

Juan DAliaga is proud to launch Now Playing’s first CD, which represents a lifetime of songwriting ambitions. The songs are conceived by Juan DAliaga in collaboration with producer and musician, Dave Levene and his collaborative p...Juan DAliaga is proud to launch Now Playing’s first CD, which represents a lifetime of songwriting ambitions. The songs are conceived by Juan DAliaga in collaboration with producer and musician, Dave Levene and his collaborative partner the lyricist, Dale Lawrence.
After an exhaustive search, during which time several singers passed the initial audition and were even recorded, Dave finally selected twenty three year old Will Barron from Cumming, Georgia to be the definitive voice of the band. Will’s youthful exuberance, vocal range and crucially his “feel” for the material made him the inevitable choice. With the band’s lead singer in place Now Playing was ready to record their first album.
Juan and Dave met in Peru in the late sixties and early seventies where the two began writing and arranging songs. Those songs are now being revisited with state of the art technology and a brand new generation of music. Check out their website here! or http://www.nowplayingband.com/

No one hits quite as hard as up and coming alternative band The Rift. The current band memebers consisting of Aris Anagnos, John Anagnos,Tyler Holsclaw, Tesh Hatharasinghe and Matt Melamed, have been together since early 2010 and ...No one hits quite as hard as up and coming alternative band The Rift. The current band memebers consisting of Aris Anagnos, John Anagnos,Tyler Holsclaw, Tesh Hatharasinghe and Matt Melamed, have been together since early 2010 and have been moving forward at a rapid pace. Armed with a crisp new sound and a solid EP, The Rift packs a punch with great lyrics and melodies that will no doubt have you singing along.
The band is great live and has played with more established bands like The Misfits, Exodus, Midnight Theory and others. Thanks to Crooked Creek Studios, The Rift is ready to hit the next level and will be releasing their new CD in 2011.